Transportation

DMD undertake engineering for transit, air and sea modes of transportation. Work on these projects typically includes electrical, lighting, navigational systems, CCTV and security systems. Our staff consists of top-notch registered engineers, designers, CAD technicians, and administrative personnel, each with a commitment to outstanding deliverables and excellent customer service. DMD staff members are chosen for their outstanding technical knowledge and abilities, applicable experience, and desire to respond to client needs. DMD prepare well detailed and field proven plans, specification and estimates tailored specifically to transportation projects.

Bridgeport Transit Signal Priority - Richmond, British Columbia

DMD were retained by the hardware supplier Novax Industries as part of large turn-key project which involved design, supply and installation of Novax’s TransPod transit priority system. We provided traffic engineering services for a project aimed at refining transit operations in very congested area of the City of Richmond.

We provided an optimum transit system performance that encompasses both directions of travel along corridor. This proved to be a delicate balance between refining signal operations for transit vehicles while at the same time maintaining a high level of service for the general public. Any modifications to the timing plans had to be accepted by the stakeholders involved transit authority, City of Richmond, and Ministry of Transportation. Transit priority included features such as green extension, red truncation and special transit phases (queue jumping) with minimal impact on non-TSP traffic.

Our key responsibilities included:

• Review of transit signal priority (TSP) operation for two different traffic controller manufacturers. This ensured that the proposed TSP operation could be physically implemented in the existing infrastructure.
• Coordinated with stakeholders as required regarding approval for the recommended controller database changes for TSP operation.
• Coordinated with traffic controller suppliers regarding controller TSP operation.
• Defined best method of TSP operation (manufacturer specific or as per NTCIP 1211 Object Definitions for Signal Control and Prioritization)
• Analyzed existing controller databases and generated report on feasibility for TSP operation.
• Determined the time available in controller database to accommodate TSP operation for each timing plan currently used.
• Coordinated with stakeholders as required regarding approval for the recommended controller database changes for TSP operation.
• Determined available options to coordinate both directions of traffic to minimize delay to TSP buses.
• Generated timing and coordination plans for 5 intersections.
• Undertook validation of the TSP operation for the Econolite and Naztec controllers in lab for each intersection controller. The validation process was crucial in order to guarantee problem free commissioning/implementation.
• Generated reports and database printouts based on lab results and provided them to stakeholders for approval. Prepared signal timing sheets for approval.
• Generated report and database printouts based on lab results for stakeholder approval.
• Programmed controllers with approved TSP databases.
• Validated TSP check-in and check-out for one TSP plan at each intersection location.
• Provided report identifying the potential benefits of TSP operation for the transit vehicles and the impact on non-TSP transit vehicles and local traffic.We found the bus priority through an intersection had some negative impacts. If the signal head for the bus was to remain green until the bus cleared the intersection, other approaches resulted in larger queue build up, resulting in longer delays. The idling vehicles now are producing more GHG emissions then previously. In order to overcome any new delays introduced by TSP we redesigned the operation of the traffic signals by introducing overlaps, add coordination with adjacent signals, as well as used volume density to reduce the delays on other non TSP approaches. Special attention was given to areas of congestion. All these upgrades resulted in reduced impacts and improved traffic flow.

Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE) - Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

The Ground Run-up Enclosure (GRE) is a $12-million state of the art facility located at the South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The GRE facility is the first of its kind in Canada and is designed to reduce engine run-up noise around the surrounding neighbourhoods by absorbing and redirecting sound up rather than out.

DMD provided engineering services for all power distribution and communications infrastructure into the GRE structure. We prepared plans, specifications and cost estimates for the relocation of the overhead and underground primary distribution system and secondary power distribution system including bringing power into the GRE building, the relocation of the Telus and YVR IT systems, and new communications systems into the GRE facility. DMD undertook construction services and arranged for the temporary power connections to the adjacent tenants during power shutdowns.

ACC Parking Lot and Apron 2 Lighting - Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

The ACC Parking Lot and Apron 2 are both located at the South Terminal of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The ACC Parking Lot was redesigned to optimize the area for parking and enhance security at the South Terminal. The Apron 2 area is used for YVR personnel to inspect aircraft.

DMD prepared design, specifications and estimates for the parking lot illumination and security features at the parking lot, and for the illumination of the Apron 2 area. The parking lot was designed with LED lighting to meet YVR’s Green Parking Lot Design Guidelines. Similarly, the pedestrian walkway within the parking area was also designed with LED lighting. The security features in the ACC Parking Lot included Code Blue security alert stations and security cameras. The Apron 2 area was illuminated with high mast lighting. We were also responsible for field reviews during construction services and electrical letters of assurance.

Comox Airport Apron Upgrade

This project involved the extension of an existing taxiway at the Comox International Airport in Comox, British Columbia. The Airport is operated by the Comox Valley Airport Corporation (CVAC) under joint agreement with the Department of National Defence.

DMD's work including taxiway /apron lighting as well as relocation of a major fibre optic duct bank. The lighting systems included taxiway and apron edge lighting as well as apron flood lighting via highmast lighting towers with a raise/lowering system. Apron flood lighting was designed to Transportation Canada TP312 using computer lighting design software.

Existing computer operated lighting controls were upgraded to accommodate the new lighting. DMD undertook field service and a final inspection of the installation.

Grauer Lands Parking Lot Security Systems - Richmond, British Columbia

The growth and expansion of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and the new Canada Line extension to YVR led to the need for additional employee parking. Adjacent to the Canada Line Templeton Station and the airport, a 2500 stall employee parking lot was constructed on the Grauer Lands site.

As the employee parking lot was isolated from the main airport area, the safety and security of the employees was a concern. The security was enhanced with lighting and a surveillance system, consisting of high resolution fixed and Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) cameras. Code blue emergency call stations and a parking lot gate access system were also added to provide additional employee security. A fibre backbone provides connectivity from the parking lot to the main terminal where the system is monitored by security staff.

DMD provided design services for all of the electrical, the parking lot lighting, a Wi-Fi system, the code blue emergency call stations and the cabinets used to house all of the equipment required for system operating and remote monitoring. Services were also provided for the selection of the fixed and PTZ cameras and the integration of the parking lot gate access system.

DMD provided plans and specifications for the above systems, which was included with the parking lot construction tender. Coordination was necessary with the YVR IT group and the Canada Line IT design group. The system set-up, commissioning and testing were undertaken by an YVR approved third party system integrator. DMD was responsible for providing quality control by monitoring the set-up, commissioning and testing.

The capital cost for the electrical, lighting and systems noted above was around $2.5M. The owner is the Vancouver Airport. DMD was a sub-consultant to AECOM. The project was started in late 2008 and completed in the summer of 2009 for the opening of the Canada Line.

Lax Kw’alaams Ferry Dock, Prince Rupert

Construction of the new Lax Kw’alaams ferry dock, near Prince Rupert, was completed in November 2010. This project provided a permanent home for the Spirit of Lax Kw’Alaams ferry. This new location will reduce the travel time for service between Prince Rupert and Tuck Inlet by about an hour, and reduced the ferry’s overall operating time by about an hour and a half.

DMD’s assignment for this project was to provide the lighting design for the new ramp and dock as well as the power distribution system from shore side to the ferry dock. The shore side power distribution system came at the request of BC Ferries to resolve an electrical capacity issue on the existing ferry. Additional electrical loads were required when the ferry docked and the onboard electrical system was insufficient to accommodate these loads, thus the onboard circuits would overload and trip. A marine grade distribution system was designed by DMD and placed on the dock with a simple plug-in system from the dock to the ferry. Branch circuits were also made available for the Ministry of Forests whom share the dock facility.

 

Contact DMD

DMD & Associates Ltd

• #12-17358 104A Ave.
• Surrey BC  V4N 5M3
• Canada
• Tel: +1 604-589-9010
• Toll Free: +1 877-249-8080
• Fax: +1 604-589-9012
• Email: info@dmdeng.com
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• Lynden WA  98264
• USA

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• 4700 South Fulton Ranch Blvd #77
• Chandler AZ  85248
• USA
• Toll Free: +1 877-249-8080